Shortlisting mini amps

AlecSp · #1 06-01-2010, 07:52 AM

OK, so having sorted my main out & about rig (TC RH450 & Genz Benz NEOX 212T - and very happy with that!) I now need to replace my ridiculously heavy & not very good sounding home/practice rig.

Just having a smaller cab with my main head isn't an option, as both may be used at the same time, and I will have each rig stored at a separate location. But I want an amp that I can happily practise with, and won't feel ashamed of at small pokey gigs at a push.

My shortlist, which spans a huge price range, is:

EBS Session Classic 60 - UKP 260, strongly recommended by Mark at BassDirect. Size & weight tick all the boxes.

Ibanez Promethean p5110 - UKP 500. Size & weight great. Bit more tone flexibility than the EBS.

TC RH450 & 10" cab (possibly Genz Benz Shuttle 10, or BareFaced Midget). UKP 1,200 - ish. Slightly bigger, and less convenient than a combo. But gives me all the same features I love in my main RH450 rig - plus I have an identical spare head in case of any failures.

Other than the RH450 head, I've not heard any of these in person, and will struggle to without inordinate travelling. I'm pretty confident that the last rig would sound the best, but look at the price differential!

Who's got some real world experience of any of these, especially in comparison, and would care to comment? Video (well, audio really...) would be even better!

countrybass007 · #2 06-01-2010, 08:23 AM

Gk makes some nice, reasonable priced combos. If money isn't an issue, Orange and Phil Jones offer some great amps and speakers that are light and powerful.

bobwhite · #3 06-01-2010, 08:39 AM

Markbass makes some great combos, but for practice, I just want some inexpensive used gear--tone, etc., is not so important for just running scales, etc. I like something reliable, but I don't worry about much else, but suit yourself, of course. I have an 16 year-old 200w Hartke head and an older 2-12 Peavey cab for around the house.

AlecSp · #4 06-01-2010, 08:45 AM

OK, to get you all back on topic (though appreciate the responses!).

I do want small and light, as this gear will need to travel. And I want quality, as it will be used in anger from time to time, rather than just for practice.

And specifically want views on the gear I've picked out so far, as it's not without some forethought. Also, bear in mind, I'm UK based, hence slightly different predilections for brands, but ultimately I'll take what works.

tallboybass · #5 06-01-2010, 08:55 AM

I would recommend the GB Shuttle 3.0-10T at 19 lbs. for super-light.

GK MB210 at 33 lbs. for loud and light.

Don't know about price & availability in UK however.

naturalkinds · #6 06-01-2010, 09:13 AM

I second the GB Shuttle 3.0 recommendation with your cabinet of choice.

Inconnu · #7 06-01-2010, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlecSp

OK, so having sorted my main out & about rig (TC RH450 & Genz Benz NEOX 212T - and very happy with that!) I now need to replace my ridiculously heavy & not very good sounding home/practice rig.

Just having a smaller cab with my main head isn't an option, as both may be used at the same time, and I will have each rig stored at a separate location. But I want an amp that I can happily practise with, and won't feel ashamed of at small pokey gigs at a push.

My shortlist, which spans a huge price range, is:

EBS Session Classic 60 - UKP 260, strongly recommended by Mark at BassDirect. Size & weight tick all the boxes.

Ibanez Promethean p5110 - UKP 500. Size & weight great. Bit more tone flexibility than the EBS.

TC RH450 & 10" cab (possibly Genz Benz Shuttle 10, or BareFaced Midget). UKP 1,200 - ish. Slightly bigger, and less convenient than a combo. But gives me all the same features I love in my main RH450 rig - plus I have an identical spare head in case of any failures.

Other than the RH450 head, I've not heard any of these in person, and will struggle to without inordinate travelling. I'm pretty confident that the last rig would sound the best, but look at the price differential!

Who's got some real world experience of any of these, especially in comparison, and would care to comment? Video (well, audio really...) would be even better!

I've been curious about the EBS myself... but would 60 watts be enough for small gigs and jams ?

AlecSp · #8 06-01-2010, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inconnu

I've been curious about the EBS myself... but would 60 watts be enough for small gigs and jams ?

My thoughts entirely, though it was suggested that I could be surprised. But could really do with real world experience or reviews.

Considered the GB Shuttle combo, but for the UK price (GBP630 for the STL3.0 10T), think I'd spend a little (!) more and have the RH450 head with a suitable tiny cab. Never really liked the whole styling of those combos much.

The EBS & Promethean both appeal as they're (much for the EBS) cheaper and a nice tiny neat box shape (remember the Wife Approval Factor at home). I'm really warming to the idea of the Promethean, but quite happy to save my pennies if the EBS is as good.

And I'm sure that an RH450 & cab would be great, but the price is also high. Could wangle a US import possibly for around GBP 500 compared with the UK shocking GBP 900 cost, which would help - happy to take a bit more risk on a second RH450 buying overseas, especially for that saving. And, although lovely, it would still be more bits to take around (head & cab)

P-punk · #9 06-01-2010, 01:14 PM

Got the EBS delivered today. See this thread: New Amp Day: EBS CLASSIC SESSION 60 COMBO

Will post a mini review in a few days when I've had the opportunity to try it out a bit.

FromTheBassMent · #10 06-01-2010, 01:33 PM

I'll be interested to read P-punk's review of the EBS. A 60w combo for a gig? I guess if it's a small coffee house and you're playing with an acoustic guitar and a mandolin or something. I would never try to take on a drummer with less that 200 very efficient watts.

Never heard of that Ibanez... probably don't have it stateside.

All of the TC stuff I've toyed around with has been top-notch.

I can't say enough good things about my Markbass CMP-121. It's 300w into the onboard 12" and is plenty loud for 90% of the gigs I do. When it's not, add an 8 ohm cab and you've got 500w on tap. It weighs less than 30 lbs. The tone is very neutral, so I use a Tech 21 VTbass pedal to give it a bit of tube warmth... but not grind, because I love a clean tone. In 30+ years of playing, it's the best sounding "rig" I've ever owned... and I can carry it in one hand!

Inconnu · #11 06-01-2010, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlecSp

My thoughts entirely, though it was suggested that I could be surprised. But could really do with real world experience or reviews.

Considered the GB Shuttle combo, but for the UK price (GBP630 for the STL3.0 10T), think I'd spend a little (!) more and have the RH450 head with a suitable tiny cab. Never really liked the whole styling of those combos much.

The EBS & Promethean both appeal as they're (much for the EBS) cheaper and a nice tiny neat box shape (remember the Wife Approval Factor at home). I'm really warming to the idea of the Promethean, but quite happy to save my pennies if the EBS is as good.

And I'm sure that an RH450 & cab would be great, but the price is also high. Could wangle a US import possibly for around GBP 500 compared with the UK shocking GBP 900 cost, which would help - happy to take a bit more risk on a second RH450 buying overseas, especially for that saving. And, although lovely, it would still be more bits to take around (head & cab)

I was told I'd be suprised with the Marshall MB60 too... You should check it out. A friend uses it with his band at small gigs, with a drummer, and has no problem cutting through, so he says...